Propagating Hardy geraniums

[sewfarsewgood]

Has anyone tried propagating Hardy Geraniums via cuttings or root cuttings or ???? I know you can do it from seed and division, but would like to try the other methods.

Gary J

[Ann B.]

Gary,

On the last day of the class I was teaching, one of the parents brought me a stem cutting of hardy geranium. She told me that she rooted them in water. I tried this, but afer one month, there were no roots and the bottom of the stem appeared to be rotting. What can I say, it is either my water or me, but I just don't have what it takes to root in water.

So, I made a fresh cut removing the rotting portion of stem, treated it with rooting hormone, stuck it in a hole in a tray cell, pressed the soil down gently and kept it watered. This technique is the same as the one described in the Tender Stem Cutting section of www.landspro.com and should also work for more tender geranium.

I just checked and I am happy to report that it has very healthy roots and is ready for a 4 inch pot. This was a 5 inch stem of softwood. Since I do not have any other hardy geraniums, I do not know whether semi-hardwood would work, but I think it would be worth the try or whether a section of the root would work.

Good Luck and keep us posted as to how well yours does.

[Gene]

I visit a nursery last year.They told me they use the oasis cubes I think they said it cost them 5 cents each. So came home grab my wifes oasis from her flower shop and cut them to fit 6 packs and 4 packs water them real well poke a hole in the center and cut the geranium off and put them in the oasis they rooted great. The nursery said they keep them at just the right miosture level and get air also. Works great with Lantana and heather also. I now can get I believe 80 out of one block go to Wallmart ask for the fresh flower oasis. Try it you'll be amaze Look at some of your local nursery stock you may be able to see some of the there oasis cube at the base of the plant. although this shouldn't be expose some will from watering

[sewfarsewgood]

To ensure we are all talking the same language there are two completely different types of "geranium". There is the ture or Hardy Geraniums which are perrenials. There is also the group which most of us call geraniums or Pelorgonium. These are the zonals, Ivy geranium, and Martha Washington's.

I have a retail nursery locally which has lost its supplier for Purple Hardy Geraniums, and have asked me if I will grow some for them for next year. <a href="http://www.thompson-morgan.com/seeds/us/index.html?SA=1029"target="_blank" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.thompson-morgan.com/seeds/us/index.html?SA=1029';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">Thompson and Morgan US Seed Catalog</a> has a wonderful new deep purple hardy geranium. Problem is that 5 seeds costs - are you ready for this - $9.95. Thats $2.00 per seed and really more when you add shipping. I can't make money that way and need a way to grow a few plants and multiply them quickly so next spring I have stock to sell. Cuttings is the way to go if it is possible and it seems it is thanks for the help.

[Ann B.]

You are absolutely correct. The one that I was describing was the hardy variety. The not so hardy ones, I usually start from seed. In fact, I have some red ones and mix colored ones in plug tray cells ready to be transplanted as soon as I make room for them in the greenhouse.

Mmmmm! May be awhile, huh? Nah, they will probably at least have to go into 72 cell trays in the next week or two, then into the ground and window boxes after April 1.

I wonder if those expensive seeds are as easy to grow as the retail seed packets you find locally.

Anyone ever tried the hardy variety from seed?

[sewfarsewgood]

What I want frm the T&M seeds is the royal purple color. Its the only reason I would ever part with $2.00 per seed.